Gilding Metal - Material Information

Gilding metal, a copper–zinc alloy typically containing 85% copper and 15% zinc, is valued for its excellent formability, corrosion resistance, and attractive reddish-gold hue. The alloy’s mechanical strength and conductivity make it highly suitable for decorative, architectural, and industrial applications. Its composition provides an ideal balance between the ductility of copper and the hardness contributed by zinc, enabling its use in precision components and high-performance engineering systems.

Material Overview

Gilding metal belongs to the brass family but contains a lower proportion of zinc, which enhances its corrosion resistance and maintains good electrical and thermal conductivity. With a density of approximately 8.8 g·cm?³ and a melting range of 900–940 °C, it offers superior workability compared to harder brasses. The alloy typically has a thermal conductivity near 200 m⁻¹·K⁻¹ and tensile strength between 250–400 MPa depending on the temper. Caron and Robinson (2004) outlined that wrought copper–zinc alloys, including Cu–15Zn, exhibit excellent machinability and stress relaxation resistance, maintaining their integrity under mechanical and thermal load. Gu Jian (2013) reported that optimized Cu–Zn alloys can achieve enhanced bending and tensile strengths while preserving ductility and corrosion resistance, attributed to controlled microstructural phase distribution. These properties make Cu85Zn15 highly stable under dynamic service conditions.

Applications and Advantages

Gilding metal is widely used for architectural trim, heat exchanger tubing, electrical connectors, and ammunition casings, as well as for decorative metalwork and brazing materials. Its good solderability and low hydrogen embrittlement risk ensure reliability in joining and forming operations. High strength Cu–Zn alloys have also been developed for keys, fasteners, and mechanical springs (Futatsuka et al., 1993), where they combine structural rigidity with long-term corrosion protection. Due to its appealing color and resilience, gilding metal is also used in musical instruments and artwork where both aesthetics and durability are critical. The alloy’s balance of conductivity, machinability, and environmental stability continues to support its use in both traditional and high-tech applications.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies Gilding Metal (Cu85/Zn15) in a range of research-grade forms, including wire, foil, and rod. Each product is produced under strict quality control to ensure consistent composition and mechanical performance. Custom dimensions and specialized forms are available upon request to meet precise engineering and research needs.

Explore Gilding Metal (Cu85/Zn15) and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Caron, R. N., & Robinson, P. W. (2004). Copper alloys, wrought. In ASM Handbook, Volume 2: Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials. ASM International.
• Gu, J. (2013). Copper–zinc alloy material. Chinese Patent.
• Futatsuka, R., Suzuki, T., Kuwabara, M., & Kumagai, J. (1993). High-strength Cu alloy key material excellent in corrosion resistance. Japanese Patent.
• Okano, M. (1975). Copper alloy of excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and castability. Japanese Patent.
• Horikawa, H., Komata, K., Oguri, A., & Kadomasa, S. (1986). High conductivity and heat-resistant copper alloy excellent in corrosion resistance. Japanese Patent.